Jim Gazzolo column: Softball program attracts elite foes

Published 12:12 pm Thursday, February 10, 2022

During the offseason, James Landreneau got a contract extension from McNeese State.

The school’s softball coach should also get a bonus from the Lake Charles Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Landreneau and his program have done a great job at not only promoting softball in the area but bringing new faces to Southwest Louisiana.

He will do that once again this spring when the Cowgirls bring another batch of new teams and players to Lake Charles for games. That season starts Friday when McNeese hosts the first of two tournaments at Cowgirl Diamond.

“We have been able to show our our facilities and teams love to come here and play,” Landreneau said.

With a turf field and upgraded stadium, the Cowgirls have been able to put on a solid show despite recent weather issues. It has led to a melting pot of sorts when it comes to softball teams coming to the area.

It helps that Landreneau’s plan every year is to play the best teams he can so the Cowgirls are ready to make a run at the Southland Conference championship in May.

That, however, is the sports side of things. What Landreneau has done is raise the profile of not only his program but that of the school and Southwest Louisiana.

He has opened the community to new, young people who would otherwise never come here.

“James has built a first-class program and made Lake Charles a place where softball teams want to come play,” McNeese Athletic Director Heath Schroyer said. “His culture and his connection to the community is something special.”

Last year, programs like Oklahoma State, Texas and Baylor came to play the Cowgirls. This season the teams are coming from even farther.

Softball clubs from as far away as UNLV, Manhattan and Boise State will be in town to compete and enjoy a different part of the country after hearing good things from other programs about their time here.

“I have to give credit to our fans and administration for giving us a great softball facility and atmosphere where these schools want to come and play,” Landreneau said. “They all tell me how much they enjoy the area and the trip.”

Landreneau has also said they love the food.

“That’s a big thing for them,” he said.

McNeese will also again play host to state powers from Louisiana-Lafayette and LSU, staples of late to the schedule.

Other programs at McNeese are trying to do the same. Baseball will bring Cal State Northridge to Joe Miller Ballpark this spring with Schroyer saying he’s looking to upgrade all schedules.

Landreneau and his program are setting the pace.

—

Jim Gazzolo is a freelance writer who covers McNeese State athletics for the American Press. Email him at jimgazzolo@yahoo.com